1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to utilities; regulating the granting of route permits for high-voltage 
1.3 	transmission lines; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216E.03, by 
1.4 	adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216E.03, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 7a.Preferred route for high-voltage transmission lines. In issuing a 
1.9 	route permit for a high-voltage transmission line, the commission shall, consistent with 
1.10 	applicable laws, with the provisions of subdivision 7, with the safe and efficient operation 
1.11 	of transportation systems, and with a policy of prudent avoidance that minimizes the 
1.12 	proximity of overhead high-voltage transmission lines to residences, schools, child care 
1.13 	facilities, day camps, and hospitals, where avoidance is costless or can be achieved at 
1.14 	low cost, give priority consideration to utilizing existing utility, highway, and publicly 
1.15 	owned railway corridors. The term corridor means land in or in reasonable proximity to 
1.16 	an existing utility, publicly owned railway or highway easement or right-of-way. The 
1.17 	commission shall also give consideration to placing high-voltage transmission lines 
1.18 	underground.

1.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

1.20 	Sec. 2. TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING; DEPARTMENT OF 
1.21 	TRANSPORTATION ROLE.
 1.22 	(a) The Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Transportation must 
1.23 	cooperate to develop and implement procedures and policies to efficiently carry out the 
2.1 	policy established in new Minnesota Statutes, section 216E.03, subdivision 7a. The 
2.2 	policies and procedures must allow for the Department of Transportation's participation in 
2.3 	the transmission planning and route permitting process in order to coordinate transmission 
2.4 	routing with any applicable Department of Transportation permitting processes.
2.5 	(b) The Public Utilities Commission must report any statutory amendments required 
2.6 	by the policies and procedures developed under paragraph (a) to the members of the senate 
2.7 	and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy and 
2.8 	transportation policy by January 15, 2011.

2.9 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.